CVE-2016-8889: In Bitcoin Knots v0.11.0.ljr20150711 through v0.13.0.knots20160814 (fixed in v0.13.1.knots20161027), the debug

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-8889 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting bitcoin knots. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In Bitcoin Knots v0.11.0.ljr20150711 through v0.13.0.knots20160814 (fixed in v0.13.1.knots20161027), the debug console stores sensitive information including private keys and the wallet passphrase in its persistent command history.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 60%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200, CWE-310
Published	2016-10-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: bitcoin knots project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-10-28 15:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

bitcoin knots project bitcoin knots DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.11.0 · 0.11.0 rc1 · 0.11.0 rc2 · 0.11.0 rc3 · 0.11.1 · 0.11.1 rc1 · 0.11.1 rc2 · 0.11.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.11.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy bitcoin-knots || rpm -q bitcoin-knots || bitcoin-knots --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.11.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bitcoin-knots sudo apt install bitcoin-knots=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.11.0> sudo apt-mark hold bitcoin-knots

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list bitcoin-knots sudo dnf downgrade bitcoin-knots-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.11.0> sudo dnf versionlock add bitcoin-knots

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2016-8889?

bitcoin knots: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-8889 being exploited?

CVE-2016-8889 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2016-8889 affect?

CVE-2016-8889 affects bitcoin knots. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). In Bitcoin Knots v0.11.0.ljr20150711 through v0.13.0.knots20160814 (fixed in v0.13.1.knots20161027), the debug console stores sensitive information including private keys and the wallet passphrase in its persistent command history.

How urgent is CVE-2016-8889?

Priority 32/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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